I came back from the beach on Sunday really ready to kick my fitness up a notch. I’m ready to get strong! Ready to run a half marathon! Ready to do ALL THE FITNESS!
You would think that would mean getting a workout in at least, right? It didn’t happen yesterday. On day one of my new commitment. Guilt ensued.
Then I got to thinking about how active I stay during the day. I’m rarely sitting down and that has to count for something right?
So I decided to take a closer look.
First I’m on my feet making breakfast, getting the girls dressed and getting packed up to leave the house. You’d be surprised that those little things can take at least a solid hour.
Then, grocery shopping. I realize pushing a cart around won’t win me any cardio awards (though you should see my speed), but it’s movement, right?
I met Julie and Sadie for a walk, of which we might have done 1.5 miles before Kaitlyn decided not to pass out in the stroller and insisted on being held, so it turned into a sit and chat session instead.
By the way, does anyone else just squeeze these into their mouths for a snack? You should. It’s delicious!
Once I was home, I was up again making lunch and picking up the house.
I considered throwing on a True Blood but decided to play the role of responsible adult instead and prepped dinner while the girls napped.
I DO sit while nursing Kaitlyn and I secretly love those built in breaks. Once she was full, we headed outside to tackle a project I’ve been meaning to get to for some time.
A little back story- a while ago David found some pretty yellow flower seeds to plant by the mailbox not realizing they were SUNFLOWER seeds. So for the past 2 months we’ve had these monstrosities growing and though I’m a sunflower fan, they do not belong next to a mailbox.
Situation rectified. And we can all agree that weeding is most definitely exercise, right?
I headed inside in time for one load of laundry before I heard Hailey. I scooped her up and we were off to a friend’s house.
We got back home by 6, in time for me to make dinner for Hailey (while nursing Kaitlyn… that was interesting), bath and bed. Once both girls were down, I finished up our dinner and finally sat down for the night around 8:15.
At this point I reminded myself of my goal to be a runner, get back into yoga or become a strength champ, but I just had nothing left in me to get up and workout… though I had enough in me to stay up and see who Andi picked. #Priorities
I realize days like this aren’t going to get me to my fitness goals, but I’ve decided not to feel too bad about the days I don’t get to the gym. I think it may be neat to get a fitbit just to get an idea of how my daily activity stacks up or follow through on this double stroller idea so I can take more walks at home. I know there are solutions to be had and I’m figuring out slowly what works for our new normal.
What do you think?
Is being active enough or do you need to sweat to make it count?
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
I always think about how there are so many days where I literally don’t sit down except maybe to eat one meal. Those are my “rest days”….hmmmmm.
Marjorie says
Motherhood is not for the weak! I think being active and on your feet all day does count for something.
Post kid, I have had to take on a different approach to exercise…i.e., fit it in wherever I can! Pre-kid, I felt like if I didn’t have at least 30 consecutive minutes (AND time for a shower after!) that I wasn’t doing any good. Now it is literally sometimes 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there…whatever I can fit in.
Brittany Dixon says
Yes I love your thoughts on fitting it in when I can. It makes more sense to do some push ups and planks while watching TV then skipping it because it’s not a ‘real’ workout!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
oh girl.. I FEEL ya. Being active as a momma is much harder than you give yourself credit for. The other stuff can wait. These babes won’t be babies for long! Right?
Cait @Beyond Bananas says
Oh man, I feel you on active. I bet it’s hard with two kids on two different schedules to find that down time. I suppose that is a big perk of having twins-the fact that they are on the same schedule so I can get a workout in during their first nap. But on those days where that doesn’t work, I definitely should be a little bit more lenient since I am usually up and about for most of the day!
Brittany Dixon says
I think that’s amazing you workout during their nap! One little one is exhausting, so I only imagine two is much busier! Kudos to you 🙂
Shannon says
I totally feel a difference when I’m “being active all day” versus throwing a hard hour-long workout together at the gym or outside. If I’m active all day, I totally sleep hard at night, since I have been go-go-go, but when I workout hard in the morning and really sweat, then I feel like I am working my muscles more specifically and breaking that sweat, elevating that heartrate… ya know? Both are so good! Both are so different for me 🙂
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
I’m exhausted just from reading about how active you are. Although you prob won’t become a strength champ with days like this, like you said, it’s actually gonna be way easier for you to get back into the swing of things when the time is right because you’re already so active.
So don’t sweat it- no pun intended haha
Cindy says
Yes!! Thank you for posting this so we know we aren’t alone!! I sometimes get down on myself because my 8 month postpartum body is not what I’d like it to be and not what it was with my first. And then I think about how busy my day is and the fact that my teething little man still wakes up a little more than I’d like so really I’m running on fumes by the end of the day as it is. So exercise is sporadic or still a double stroller walk (more work than some would realize!) for now. And when I’m less sleep deprived, I’ll really focus on getting back into it.
Brittany Dixon says
Great point about sleep! It’s easy to overlook how much that influences energy during the day but it totally does. I can tell a big difference between good sleep and not-so-great nights.
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
I think being active is the most important thing, because I know some people who work out for 30 minutes to an hour a day, but then they spend the rest of the day sitting and not being active at all, and I think that’s worse than being active all day without working out. I think there is a healthy medium though where people can find a schedule that works for them where they can fit in three to four workouts a week, while still being active during the week. I can’t imagine being a Mom with two kids though; your days are always jam packed! I think it’s great that you are being active right now, and there will be time when you can get your sweat on, but I don’t think you should stress over it. 🙂 Being a good Mommy is your main priority, and you are rocking doing that!
Christina says
I just got a FitBit One a week ago, and it has been a great reminder to myself that I’m active even on the days when I’m not doing a “real” work out. I think cardio and strength training is really important too, but right now, in this “season” of my life (working-mom-to-a-toddler), being active is the best I can ask of myself!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, great point in highlighting that this is a season in life. I’m a firm believer in that balance is not achieved daily, but as a net result over time. And it’s great to hear you like your fitbit! I’ll have to look into it.
Carley says
It is not easy to squeeze a bit of exercise in your schedule when it is arranged around children. The problem is that you justify not exercising properly for a day or two and next thing you know you are a in the habit of working out whenever you like. It is difficult to get back to it once you don’t work out about a weak too. Continuity is the secret even you do just a little a day, I think.
Brittany Dixon says
It’s definitely harder to get back into once you get take some time off! That’s why I’m working on being patient with waiting for a routine. I love routine, but we just aren’t there quite yet 🙂
kathy says
I remember those non-stop days. A Fitbit is a good idea so you have something to measure with a then you won’t feel so bad about not getting a ‘real’ workout in. Trust me, with those two girls, you are getting a work out in every day. When you get 10 minutes to sit down, you deserve it and if you are anything like me, once I sit down, I get sleepy. 🙂 The gym time will come back. Enjoy the summertime!
Nicole says
First, Justin’s maple almond butter is amazing and by far my favorite flavor. I pack them in my lunch for perfect snack-sized portions. Delish.
More importantly, I began reading your entry and the first thing that popped into my head was ‘if only she had a fitbit, she would be pleasantly surprised at how active she is!’. Well, then I finished your entry and see you mentioned it. I got one as a birthday gift this month because walking is the only form of exercise I can currently do since a surgery in June. I love that it tracks steps, stairs, calories and miles. I realize it may not be the most accurate tool but since you set it up with height and weight I use it as a helpful guide/tool. And if I am not mistaken, you can let it know you’re nursing. I think you’d be shocked at how active you are! I have the fitbit one and I like that it allows you to clip/wear it on your bra because I didn’t want to wear the bracelet everyday. I have lost more weight eating healthy (weight watchers) and walking (using fitbit) than when I was running and doing classes at the Y!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I love that you are liking your fitbit! A quick question- does it count steps if your arms aren’t moving (like pushing a grocery cart or stroller?) Thanks so much for sharing!
Nicole says
I did a little experiment and yes, it counts steps if arms are not moving. For the experiment I clipped the fitbit on my waist band (where I wear it while on walks). I would recommend it and think you’d like it!
By the way, I would be remiss in not mentioning that being a mommy is a workout in itself. I think you’re doing a wonderful job balancing everything including being active, eating healthily and giving your daughters the attention they get!
Jessica @Myhealthypassion.com says
I think your doing a great job with a new baby and a toddler! Keep it up! Keep moving, no pressure! I love my fitbit…It constantly reminds me to move! I would highly recommend it!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
I’d love to get a fitbit, just to see how active I am (or not) each day. There’s some people, opposite of your yesterday, who sit all day and then go bust out some sort of workout for 30-45 minutes. Who’s to say what’s better, but I think having the ability to go-go-go (like you do) is helpful. You could always try spacing out your ‘workout’ throughout the day. 10 pushups here, a set of jumping jacks there. So often we think a ‘workout’ has to be all-in, all-at-one-time, but I think doing a little here and there throughout the day adds up.
Kiki says
I have 3 young boys and I also am on the go from 6:00am until everyone is finally in bed around 8:30. Although I do feel like it keeps me active the only thing that really helped me get my pre-baby body and feeling comfortable with my body ( completely my own personal feeling of comfortable) was daily workouts. All three of my boys started going to the gym with me at 3 months old and once we got in that routine it’s all we knew. I feel like I am going to take one hour a day for myself and the rest I happily give to my boys. Makes me a happier mom as well! You seem to have the will so I’m sure you will find a way when it’s right for you and your girls. Summers are always tough on the schedules…
Brittany Dixon says
Good for you Kiki! And with three! That’s awesome. We are starting to go to the gym now, but it’s more of a time or two a week right now. K will be 3 months old in 2 weeks and I’m hoping we’ll start settling into a routine then 🙂
katie says
I’m waiting for the fitbit force to come back on the marketplace before I purchase one, although the new tory burch fitbit holders have me considering the fitbit one. I completely agree that it is great to be active! And the workouts for now, can pretty much wait.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I definitely feel more wiped out from my go-go-go days than if I get in a workout and spend the rest of the day on the couch! When my kids were babies I ran less and so I wasn’t really “fit” that way, although running with a double jogger got me in better shape than anything else ever has! For me, I really need that alone workout time for it to feel refreshing and energizing. The daily activity of being a mom is definitely exercise, but not stress relief at all!
Brittany Dixon says
YES! You hit the nail on the head. The stress relief from a real workout on my own is really awesome and I don’t get that feeling when I’m running around with the kids all day, even if I’m still exhausted. And now you have me reallly wanting a double stroller! 🙂
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
I think it’s enough! I love going for walks and counting it as exercise, especially in the summer! Although, I got a Fitbit last week and I’m surprised at how little doing things around the house and running errands adds up to for me (but maybe it’s because it doesn’t account for standing?). I went grocery shopping for an hour yesterday, and it really didn’t add up to as many steps as I thought it would, even though I feel like I walk so much while I’m shopping!
Niquole Abram says
It definitely counts! You were constantly moving about which is what our bodies are designed to do. Just because you weren’t able to do a strength session or go run for a true “workout” doesn’t mean you did not work out. There are so many people that ONLY workout then go back to being sedentary, you seem like the one that likes to get the workout in and still be active with your day to day life. Also, you were making healthy meals for your family which is also a major plus for being healthy. I’d say don’t fret so much if you find yourself too worn at the end of the day to workout, you did plenty that day! Although, have you tried early morning workouts before everyone wakes up?
Oh, you should totally get a fitbit so we can be fit bitty buddies, I have the One and love how I can actually see how many steps I have taken by pushing a button. The flex is nice but it just has little dots along the top to indicate how close you are to your goal :-/ .
Amber @ Mommy's Me Time says
I struggle with this ALL THE TIME! Chasing after kids is no joke and definitely considered an active lifestyle! I feel like back in the day before gym memberships moms probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it or feel the guilt we do when we don’t actually make it to the gym. I think it has a lot to do with our culture thinking that the only way to be “fit” or healthy is to spend “x” amount of hours at the gym, so when we don’t measure up or cross it off our list we feel like we didn’t do enough. I LOVE working out, so for me getting to the gym is more about time for me to feel my best, and I try to look at it like that instead of sometime to look against. I feel like when you’re a mom you realize it’s a “treat” to get to the gym! 🙂 but at the same time we definitely need to give ourselves more grace when it doesn’t happen! You are doing an amazing job with those little girls! Keep it up momma!
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
From what you’ve shared, you are *definitely* moving alot for a new mom! I remember being so tired those first six months, that I had to really push myself to get out the door with my little guy UNTIL it became a necessity…. when at three months old, the BEST way to get my baby to sleep was to push him in his stroller on a nice bumpy trail just a few miles from our house. The hardest part was getting him in the car and listening to him wail for five minutes while we drove to the trail. But as soon as we got on the trail he was out like a light. I may have been sleep-deprived, but I was able to push that stroller for one mile at first and then four miles at some point later…
Madeline says
I think being active is really important for overall health and it’s much better than sedentary. However nothing can really replace exercising from a healthcare provider perspective. I think if you can try to fit in bursts that elevate your heart rate and build muscle would be a happy medium 🙂
You’re doing great … The only way I for in working out right now is getting up at 5am.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
Holy incoherent comment. That’s what I get for typing on my iPhone between classes 😉
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
I recently read somewhere that just because someone fits in an hour at the gym in the morning, doesn’t make up for all of the sitting during the day. It’s not that I didn’t know this before, but it just reiterated to me that even though it definitely helps that I work out in the mornings before going to the office, it’s still not healthy to be sitting behind a desk all day. All spring, I would go for walks during my lunch breaks, but as you can imagine, Charleston summers don’t lend well to that since I’d come back dripping sweat. I’m not going to make my coworkers smell my sweat all afternoon 🙂 Even on the days I go to the gym in the morning, I still try to at least do a short walk in the evening just to get more movement in my day. I am CERTAIN you are more active than many of us office workers, even though you can’t make it to the gym every day. I don’t think you need to sweat to be getting a benefit. Although I love the feeling of finishing a more intense workout, days where I’m on my feet and moving around all day are probably just as beneficial to my overall health.
I’ve also read about what we eat being more important than exercise in terms of staying healthy. You can work out all you want, but if you’re eating crap all day, you’re not going to see great results. However if you eat well, but don’t work out as much, you can still be healthy as long as you stay active.
That was a really long way of saying, I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU! and I wish my life could be as active as yours is. I think I would trade you some gym time for a couple days of higher activity keeping up with two little girls 🙂
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
Oh my gosh I seriously had no idea that comment was so long :/ whoops!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Great topic, Brittany! I’ve been loving having more active days rather than workout days recently. Sometimes that means walking around a theme park for hours and hours, cleaning the house, cooking, etc. (we’re in Florida on vacation). In the past, I would think I was being so lazy, but I actually feel like I’m moving around more than ever. I used to do a legit workout and then sit for most of the day after that. I feel better if I’m moving constantly, even if I don’t get in an intense workout.
Emily says
I broke a sweat reading about your day so I think it counts 🙂
Chantal says
I’ve realized that working out these days is just not going to happen much. I prefer to run or go to the gym… except I don’t have a jogging stroller anymore and there’s no childcare if I go to the gym. My husband is gone on trips a lot, so it’s just me. I try to stay active… walks to the park, running around the park, chores, whatever. I feel satisfied with myself if I keep moving!
Jen says
Recently so much research has shown how important staying active AND exercising is during the day. For health, nothing can beat getting your heart rate pumping for 10+ minutes at a time like intentional physical activity BUT intense exercise doesn’t give you the license to sit still all day from a health perspective either.
I’ve been using a fitbit for 2 months and it’s enlightening! I thought I was getting a lot of activity as a mom but every day, more than 2/3 of my steps are due to my exercise session. And I’ve never met my 10k steps/day goal on a day off from exercise unless I purposely take a walk (which makes me think you did get 10k steps yesterday – high five!).
Ok I’ll shut up — just love this topic!
Niquole Abram says
I noticed that too that on days I don’t workout my daily steps are down. I’m not a mom, just in a very rural area in Arizona. It’s hard to move around more when it’s close to 90° at 8 am and the heat doesn’t begin to lower until 6 pm. By then it’s getting dark quickly and the mosquitoes are out in droves. One can only clean house and do other chores so much! I have started doing morning walks or runs to one get all the great benefits of exercise & two, to get my steps in. I only worry about the inactivity that comes with the rest of the day being stuck at home for the time being.
Lauren says
You are doing so great! Keep in mind for thousands of years this was exactly how people stayed fit-they weren’t sedentary, they kept up with their homes, land, kids, etc and walked! One of the easiest ways for me to sneak in quick workouts is a dance party with my daughter. Gets my heart rate up and we have a blast. Also, I have the Schwinn turrismo swivel jogging stroller and plan on getting the double when we hopefully have two someday. It’s an awesome jogger for such a better price than most (got on amazon). Oh and also been meaning to recommend Shaklee’s chewable cal/mag when you’re having trouble sleeping. Or the osteomatrix but the cal/mag gets into your system faster.
Laura @FitMamaLove says
Being active counts for SOMETHING, but you do need to ease your way back into real workouts. I know how hard it is since I was in your shoes once. I forced myself to get in workouts at 9pm before crashing for the night. It wasn’t fun, but I felt so much better for it. And eventually, I felt comfortable taking my baby to the gym once cold and flu season was over.
Justin’s Maple Almond Butter is my favorite nut butter ever!
Tiff says
Love this! I don’t workout nearly as hard since having Ethan, but I’m always in the move carrying my 20-lb weight. It’s exhausting!! But I have great arms. 😉
Tiff says
Btw, E and I will be at the park this morning. If you’re free, you should join us! 🙂
She Rocks Fitness says
Even though I don’t have any kids, I always seem to be chasing around the puppy and I am always on my feet and on the go with clients, so I’m pretty active during the day, but honestly I need my sweat sessions to keep me sane. It’s exhausting and probably why I go to bed at 9:30 PM, but when I sweat it out, it’s my therapy and always my time to create new workouts. 😉
Heather says
I think you should do what you are already doing and fit in a workout whenever you get a chance. I know I am constantly on my feet from the time I wake up at 4:45am till I sit down for 5 minutes before bed at 9:45 and usually about that time Elizabeth starts to cry. I finally started tennis again this year and I picked up running again this summer since my husband has been getting in shape and pushing that jogging stroller is hard work. At the end of the day though I don’t necessarily feel like I have to go outside to get a workout between work, laundry, carrying a 15lb child around, making dinner, cleaning dishes and all of those things I constantly stay running. I think just normal everyday mom stuff (especially with 2) is a workout in and of itself! You are doing great and don’t push yourself too hard.
Maria says
If you get a FitBit, please let me know, so we can be FitBit friends 🙂
Yesterday, I worked from 7:30am-6:30pm and it was a crazy day. I was exhausted and decided to skip the gym in favor of Friday Night Lights reruns on the couch. I went to check my FitBit and was shocked to see that I had 10k steps just from work! It really goes to show that every little thing adds up. It takes me at least an hour and a half of walking/jogging on the treadmill to get in 10k steps, so I knew I was good for the day 🙂
Nancy @ WeightLossShakesx.net says
Being active or working out? It depends on your mood and case throughout the day. But sometimes just being active doesn’t help me get rid of stress or depression or bad mood.
When I do workout, especially yoga I feel my mind, body and soul functioning together and directing me to the right path in life.
Becky says
So funny you brought up the fit bit. As I was reading I was thinking of suggesting that to you. Even though I’m Prego I got one (Flex) and use it to motivate me to take more steps per day. I already can’t wait to use it full force after baby. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re still figuring out the new normal in life with two.
Kelly says
I gained weight when I stopped exercising in place of dog walking. So to answer your question:
“Is being active enough or do you need to sweat to make it count?”
Yes, you need to sweat, i.e. get your heart rate up 3 times a week for around 25 minutes. And continue an active lifestyle, i.e. walking your dog, taking your kids to the pool, etc.